Optics

Optics field test: Specifications, reviews, and rankings of 11 top binoculars for birdwatching

We asked 20 experienced birders to field-test 11 top-of-the-line birding binoculars and tell us if they're worth the money
By Matt Mendenhall
Published: April 24, 2009
Associate Editor Matt Mendenhall summarizes how members of the Riveredge Bird Club ranked 11 top-of-the-line 8x or 8.5x binoculars -- Brunton Epoch, Bushnell Elite, Kowa Genesis, Leica Ultravid HD, Leupold Golden Ring HD, Minox HG, Nikon EDG, Pentax DCF ED, Steiner Peregrine XP, Swarovski EL, and Zeiss Victory FL -- during the club's three-day field trip to the North Woods of Wisconsin in March 2009. Binoculars are ranked by image quality, feel, eye friendliness, and overall score, and each model is scored by reviewers' answers to three questions: Is the binocular you tested an upgrade over your present binocular? Is the binocular you tested worth the money? Would you buy the binocular you tested?
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